Labour unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their planned protest in Abuja and directed workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resume duties immediately.
The announcement came following a late-night conciliatory meeting between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and union representatives. The meeting was convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.
A circular dated February 3, 2026, jointly signed by TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro and Acting NLC General Secretary Benson Upah on behalf of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), instructed all affiliates to return to work immediately.
According to the circular, the meeting, which began at 11:45 pm and ended at 3:51 am, involved extensive discussions addressing all complaints raised by JUAC members. The FCT Minister assured organised labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward.
The unions confirmed that no worker would face victimisation arising from the recent strike, and all outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court would be withdrawn. The directive aims to preserve industrial peace and ensure uninterrupted public services in the FCT.
The decision follows legal and security concerns over the proposed protest, initially scheduled for Tuesday, February 3. On Monday, the National Industrial Court issued an order restraining NLC and TUC from any industrial action within Abuja, pending the resolution of the dispute. The case has been adjourned to February 10.
FCTA workers had embarked on an indefinite strike on January 19, 2026, over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears, and poor working conditions, affecting activities across several secretariats, departments, and agencies.
Observers noted that with the suspension of the planned protest, workers were seen returning to the FCTA Secretariat by early Tuesday morning, signalling a temporary resolution to the industrial dispute in Nigeria’s capital.
